Clever Free Methodist

There are many powerful stories in the Bible that we would classify as those with a “happy ending.” That is, an ending where God saw individuals, groups or a nation of people through a peril, hardship, test or even eminent death. One such story, we remember from Daniel 3:16-30 , concerning the “fiery furnace” and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Another powerful event is the beloved story in Daniel, Chapter 6, about Daniel in the den of lions. Plus, who could forget the frightening adventure of Moses against the mighty Egyptian Army of Pharaoh, in Exodus, Chapter 14 , when their backs were up against the Red Sea? Yes, all these stories ended triumphantly with the saving presence and mighty hand of God granting them their victory and escape from death and danger. But, we know this after the fact. The point I am making is that all those involved had no idea what the outcome was going to be. They entered these situations with a sudden realization that they were probably go...

One of the oldest laws in the world is known as “lex talionis” or “equal retaliation.” Oddly enough, this law had a purpose which was to restrict unlimited revenge. This law is found three times in the Old Testament passages of Exodus 21:24 , Leviticus 24:20 , and Deuteronomy 19:21 . It was understood to be “and eye for an eye” or a “tooth for a tooth” by allowing the law, judges and courts to render the appropriate judgment, restitution and punishment. It was never intended for individual retaliation. So, if that is the case, then why did Jesus say in Matthew 5:39 , “But, I tell you, do not resist an evil person….” ? The Greek verb “resist” means “to set one’s self against, to oppose” or most closely means “take legal action against.” Did Jesus really say “don’t” resist? Did he literally mean that? What exactly is he saying here? At first, it sounds like Jesus is saying we should just stand there and get pummeled physically and mentally by all that these evil peop...

I don’t think there are any social media platforms or services that don’t have some type of format where people can offer comments, ratings, or feedback. In particular, I seem to marvel mostly at the platforms that give the public opportunities to add comments to news stories, pictures, or a response to a “post” someone writes. No matter what the topic or subject matter I choose, it never fails that many of the responses can get quite vulgar, insensitive, obscene and downright heartless. Those very responses, themselves, generate their own responses from people who are angered, offended, or “triggered” by what has been written. What it generates is a near endless cycle of bantering back and forth as to who can “out-degrade” each other with the most well crafted slander. The comments that disappoint me the most are those who invoke their Christian faith or refer to some form of a Biblical passage. Although their intentions to help (and correct) are commendable, I must say i...

I believe most of us can quote some of the words of the “Great Commission” found in Matthew 28. I am pretty sure those words would include “go and make disciples” and something about baptizing. That is correct if you are just looking at Matthew 28:19 ! However, if we move into verse 20, we see that the “Great Commission” expands beyond going, making, and baptizing when Jesus adds “…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” When it comes to the “Great Commission,” we are not only instructed to “go” and “make” and then “baptize” disciples, we are also to be actively teaching others to obey what Jesus commanded. Let’s look at all these steps. First: Go! This is a very important word. First off, it is a command which must be obeyed. Secondly, it is not designating one specific place. Why? Because the proper translation of the Greek language for “go” means “as you are going.” That means, we are prepared to make disciples wherever we are at the moment....

There have been times where I have heard someone, in some form of frustration, cry out “why is God punishing me?” Although these times come forth from a myriad of issues and trials, I think the true reason behind what is going on is still the same: God is not punishing us, but educating and training us. There is a good chance that God may be using and allowing our circumstances as a way to discipline and correct us. God loves us and will not allow things in our life that prevent us from excelling and completing His will for our lives. Hebrews 12:6-11, says, “For the  Lord  disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”   As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?   If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.” I...

Epiphany ... have you ever heard of such a word? Although, you may humorously want to say “Gesundheit” after saying the word out loud, it is actually a significant event of the Church calendar. Epiphany, the twelfth day after Christmas, is when the Church marks the conclusion of the  Christmas  season. Usually, most Churches will celebrate Epiphany the first Sunday of the New Year. Many families will mark Epiphany by taking down the Christmas tree and decorations. The word " Epiphany " means  "to show"  or  "to reveal."  It is also a historical date because it marks the arrival of the "three wise men" from the east who came "to show" and "to reveal" to all the world that this little 2-year-old toddler was Lord and King (Matthew 2:9-11)  This is why we celebrate Epiphany !  We celebrate to recall how God has been "showing" and "revealing" Himself to us ever since that one night the Kings o...

It is understandable that events in our past can be regretful, haunting and possibly crippling in our ability to move forward and make progress in a healthy and positive direction. In a proper healing environment, we can make strides in deepening our coping skills that make each day better than the one before. Despite the depth of grief, regret, frustration, disappointment and even self-blame over our past, we have to come to the realization that it is most healthy to move forward. I am, in no way, suggesting that we refuse to deal with the past, deny it or go on pretending that it never happened. We can enter each day with a greater perspective because of how we chose to deal with “yesterday” in a healthy, spiritual way. Isaiah 43:18 , tells us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” The literal Hebrew says, “Do not call to mind the former things or ponder things of the past.” It is not saying we refuse to acknowledge what has happened. It is not saying th...